Winner receives new John Deere 5M Utility Tractor for one year

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year.  Now in its 73rd year, this prestigious honor has been awarded to celebrate conservation progress among select Iowa farmers who are committed to exceptional environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

The statewide and regional awards, co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honor Iowa farmers who have distinguished track records of commitment to soil conservation and water quality improvement efforts. The grand prize winner will receive the use of a new John Deere 5M utility tractor for one year courtesy of longtime award supporters, Van Wall Equipment of Perry and John Deere.  

Last year’s Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year award winner, Linn County farmer Dan Voss, was recognized for decades of embracing innovative conservation practices to improve Iowa’s soil health and water quality while sharing his experiences and insight with fellow farmers.    

To nominate a farmer for the award, visit www.cdiowa.org/awards and complete a short form summarizing the nominee’s conservation efforts and commitment to improving soil.  Nominations are due by May 10, 2024 to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. 

“Iowa’s farmers and landowners continue to go above and beyond to be good stewards of our land while feeding the nation,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Future generations will benefit from the concerted effort these farmers and landowners have made today to protect our soil and water quality and their families’ farming legacies. I encourage Iowans to nominate someone in their community who has embraced environmental stewardship and more sustainable farming practices.” 

“We all have a role to play in protecting Iowa’s soil health and water quality, and this award recognizes the innovation and dedication of farmers who are leading by example and making big strides in conservation progress,” says IFBF President Brent Johnson.  “Recognizing and celebrating farmers’ conservation achievements and sharing their stories help encourage others to embrace proven practices to protect Iowa’s soil and water.” 

One nominee will be selected by each of Iowa’s 99 county SWCD offices. These individuals will be considered for regional conservation awards. Nine regional award winners will compete for the title of “Iowa’s Conservation Farmer of the Year.”  The winner will be announced during the Iowa State Fair and will receive the keys to their tractor during the Conservation Districts of Iowa annual meeting, August 19-20, in Ames. The 2024 statewide Conservation Farmer of the Year winner will receive free use of a John Deere 5M Series utility tractor for up to 12 months or 200 hours of use. The prize, valued at more than $12,000, has long been donated by the Farm Bureau partner Van Wall Equipment of Perry and John Deere.